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Strong signal: Non-GM Soy Conference in Frankfurt
In times of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory change, and growing sustainability requirements, the sector demonstrated both strength and cohesion. At he conference in early November 2025 in Frankfurt (Germany), experts from trade and industry discussed current market developments, new regulatory frameworks, and strategies to strengthen GMO-free and sustainable value chains in Europe and worldwide. The conference was organized by ProTerra Foundation and Donau Soja Organisation, two of Europe’s leading organisations in the Non-GM and sustainable soy sector.
This year’s discussions focused on how Europe’s agricultural and food industries can secure the supply of GMO-free raw materials in the face of global crises and rising sustainability demands. In addition to political developments surrounding new genetic technologies (NGTs), the conference highlight currented market trends, consumer expectations, and innovations across the entire value chain – from breeding and processing to retail.
Taras Vysotskyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine opened the conference with a welcome address, followed by Alexander Hissting, Managing Director of the Association Food without Genetic Engineering (VLOG). Robert Suter (ISEAL) then informed about the latest regulatory developments and their impact on the Non-GM sector.
The following block focused on sustainability standards and their contribution to credible supply chains. Emese van Maanen (ProTerra Foundation) and Susanne Fromwald (Donau Soja Association) discussed traceability, Non-GMO certification, and links to due diligence requirements. Further insights into regional dynamics in feed supply chains – between Brazil, the EU, and Ukraine – were provided by representatives from ADM Straubing, Bunge, Caramuru Alimentos, and Astarta Kyiv.
Presentations by Tom Boots (Bunge), Bertalan Kruppa (Donau Soja Organisation) and Daniele Marcomin (Agriholism/Oleificio San Giorgio) highlighted trends and challenges in global availability of non-GMO raw materials, featuring the latest market data and analysis.
In a subsequent panel discussion Will Schreiber (Retail Soy Group), Claudia Brill (QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH), Alexander Hissting (VLOG), and Leif Kjetil Skjæveland (Skretting) debated about „Fashion vs real impact: Are we marketing or creating truly sustainable businesses and who pays for it?“ Expert journalist Dr Tanja Busse moderated this panel and the entire Non-GM Soy Conference 2025.
Donau Soja: International Non-GM Soy Conference on the Future of GMO-Free Food Systems